Can Allen Lead Bears Turnaround?

Can Allen Lead Bears Turnaround?

Of all the newcomers on the Bears' defense Jared Allen might be the most important.

BOURBONNAIS-How do the Bears turn around a defense that was a disaster last season? The addition of one of the NFL's all-time sack leaders is a good starting point. That would be defensive end Jared Allen.

Allen spent the past six seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, and now he's looking forward to the chance to play with a team that's a Super Bowl contender.

"I'm excited to be here. I'm excited to be a part of what coach is trying to put forward and put that product on the team,"says Allen. "It's a cool feeling when you go into an offseason knowing you have a chance to win. In the NFL as players, all we ask for is a chance to win every game you're in."

Allen knows firsthand just how deadly the Bears offense can be since he's been face to face with it.

"I know what it's like to prepare for this offense and it sucks. In the year when you go to play them it's like awww Jay is crazy good. What he can do inside the pocket is amazing."

As a Viking last year, Allen started all sixteen games. He leads the NFL in sacks since 2004 and brings major potential to the Bears defense.

"Our goal is to smash the run this year, and get after the quarterback when we have that opportunity. Create turnovers," says Allen. "It's not going to be a person. It's going to be a collective whole."

The 32-year old has big time experience, and he says a lot left in his tank.

"Just watch me play this year. I'm in great shape. I'm a full year now off of surgery on my shoulder, so I mean, workouts are going phenomenal."

When the four-year $32 million deal came through with Allen, Bears chairman Phil Emery could not have been happier.

"He's a relentless player. High energy player. Successful in all areas of his life," says Emery. "He's greatly grown through his time in the league."